Imation will partner with online backup and data recovery vendor Nine
Technology to offer a data backup and disaster recovery system for the cloud,
said Imation on Oct. 12.
"We've known for a long time that we've got the best online backup and
recovery software available, and with Imation RDX-based cloud seeding, we can
jump-start new partners from all over the world faster and more securely than
anybody else," wrote Tom Gelson, chief executive of Nine Technology, on
the company's blog.

The combined approach will utilize Imation's RDX removable hard disk system.
The USB and SATA-compatible drive is
designed to withstand "the rigors of cross-country travel," according
to Imation, and can function as a
seeded backup device.

"This exciting new application of Imation's
RDX cartridge system as a 'cloud seed'
with Nine Technology is a great solution for businesses-from small and
medium-sized SMBs to larger enterprises-to enable initial connectivity to cloud
storage," said Subodh Kulkarni, chief technology officer and senior vice president
at Imation, in a statement.
Businesses can use Imation RDX as part of a disk-to-cloud backup strategy.
The removable cartridges can be used for an initial dataset backup before
backing up into the cloud, and then using the system to enable future file
restores.
"Facilitating the initial seeding as well as accelerated recovery in
backup SAAS solutions are key considerations for end-user adoption," said
Lauren Whitehouse, senior analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group.

Imation's RDX system provides fast, easy and reliable backup, the company
said. The system includes a docking station and a high-capacity, rugged and
removable 2.5-inch hard disk drive cartridge. The cartridge's storage capacity
comes in 160GB, 320GB, 500GB, 640GB, 750GB and 1TB sizes. Both the RDX docking
station and cartridges are forward- and backward-compatible and are scalable.
Imation will extend the RDX system to include additional interfaces, such as USB
3.0, to complement the current cloud-seeding service, the company said.
"With Imation's RDX system, Nine Technology can launch a scalable
cloud-powered backup strategy with phenomenal speed and security," said
Gelson in a statement.
"Powered by Nine" is a turnkey online backup and restore system
that managed service providers can use to quickly offer reliable and scalable
disaster recovery services to protect customer data on servers, desktops and
laptops. The RDX-enabled "Powered by Nine" disaster recovery system
is available immediately to Nine Technology partners.